2009 medicare e-prescribing program

There is no sign-up or pre-registration to participate in the E-Prescribing Incentive Program. In October , CMS and 34 partner organizations hosted a meeting about the mechanics of implementing an e-prescribing program in a practice. Audiotapes and slides are now archived online for continuing education credit. The Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Pharmacist Association are pleased to provide continuing medical education a maximum of Go to www. There are no registration or certificate fees.

There is a clear dividing line between the two contributing time, effort, Technology — Invest in your future 3. Marketing and Business Development — You have to constantly grow the practice 4. A Great Place to Work — Happy staff translates in to January 22, Medicare E-Prescribing Incentive Program Update Beginning January 1, , eligible professionals can participate in the E-Prescribing Incentive Program by reporting on their adoption and use of an e-prescribing system by submitting information on one e-prescribing measure on their Medicare Part B claims.

Jan 22, AM Medicare. Q: What is e-prescribing and when will it come to ophthalmology? A: E-prescribing is the adoption of an electronic prescribing system that transmits prescriptions directly from the prescriber to a desired pharmacy. Electronic medical record systems typically have the capability to submit prescriptions electronically, but an EMR system is not required to E-prescribe, as stand-alone systems exist.

Some systems are free to providers while others must be purchased. It is worthwhile to check with your existing practice-management vendor and ask if they have an E-prescribe module.

Q: What is the bonus program offered by Medicare? A: The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act authorized a new financial bonus beginning in for eligible professionals who successfully implement E-prescribing. Eligible eye-care providers include ophthalmologists, optometrists, osteopaths, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, anesthesiologists, CRNAs, among others. Eligibility is restricted by scope of practice to those professionals who have prescribing authority.

All Medicare-enrolled eligible professionals, whether participating or non-participating, are eligible for the bonus program. Q: Do I need to enroll? A: No. Once an eligible provider has a qualified E-prescribing system in place, you begin participating by submitting appropriate codes from the E-prescribing quality measure on your claims to Medicare. While this program is specific to traditional Medicare, some commercial payers may also offer bonuses for E-prescribing. Check your larger commercial payers for additional information on bonus programs.

Q: Are all eligible providers entitled to a bonus? A: To be eligible for a bonus, your total Medicare allowed charges for the specific CPT codes exams and consultations must be more than 10 percent of your total allowed charges for Medicare Part B covered services. Success is defined as reporting the measure with the appropriate "G" code on at least 50 percent of eligible claims.

Eligible providers may qualify for a 2 percent bonus in and , a 1 percent bonus for and , and a 0. The bonus applies to all allowed charges, including the beneficiary's co-payments and deductible, not just those services associated with the E-prescribing measure. This is a calendar year program; there is no cap on the amount of bonus payment. Q: Am I required to participate in this program?

But, in and beyond, eligible professionals who are not successful E-prescribers will see a reduction in their fee schedule amounts.